Hey there! Have you ever tried to send products bought from Europe to customers in the US? It can get tricky with customs forms, shipping labels, import duties – the works. But for us Amazon sellers, we gotta figure it out. Picking the right items at European warehouses and then getting them shipped over the pond takes some know-how. In this post, we’ll go over tips for selecting freight at Amazon fulfillment centers in Europe for US orders and finding the best shipping methods across the Atlantic. We’ll break down picking Amazon picker, freight forwarding, customs clearance, and more.
What Is Warehouse Order Picking?
If you’re shipping goods from Europe to the U.S., you’ll need to go through the process of warehouse order picking. This means selecting the specific products from your inventory that match each customer order. Sounds simple enough, right? Well, for large e-commerce companies fulfilling thousands of orders each day, it requires a well-designed process and the right tools and technology to do it efficiently. An optimized picking process will group orders by location in your warehouse to minimize the time pickers spend walking between items. It may also use automated pickers that bring the products to the picker. For the most efficient picking, consider using:
- Zone picking: Dividing your warehouse into zones and allocating pickers to each area. This minimizes walking between picks. -Batch picking: Groupiing multiple orders to be picked at once from the same area. The items are then sorted and packed separately.
- Voice picking: Using voice-controlled headsets to direct pickers to the right products without needing to reference paper lists. This can shave seconds off each pick.
Choosing the Best Shipping Method From Europe to USA
Now comes the tricky part – figuring out the best way to get them across the pond. When shipping freight internationally, you’ve got a few options to consider.
1. Air freight
If speed is a priority and you need your goods ASAP, air freight is the way to go. However, it’s also the most expensive method. Only choose air freight if you’re shipping small, lightweight, and high-value goods. For larger shipments, the cost will skyrocket.
2. Ocean freight (FCL or LCL)
For most Amazon sellers, ocean freight is the most economical and practical option. You can ship full container loads (FCL) if you have enough volume, or less than container loads (LCL) where your goods share space with other shipments. LCL is more affordable but takes longer, typically 3 to 5 weeks delivery to the US. FCL is faster but only makes sense if you can fill an entire container.
3. Rail freight
Shipping by rail from Europe to China is becoming more popular. It’s faster than ocean freight but cheaper than air. Transit time is usually around 2 weeks. The downside is that rail freight typically requires higher volume shipments to be worthwhile. It may not suit smaller sellers or those just starting out.
Top Tips for Packing and Preparing Your Amazon Freight
When shipping freight from Europe to USA, preparation is key. As an Amazon seller, you want your goods to arrive intact and on time. Follow these tips to ensure a smooth delivery across the pond.
· Choose a Reputable Carrier
Select a carrier with experience shipping freight internationally, like DHL, UPS, or FedEx. They have the proper licenses and insurance to legally transport goods between countries. ArdiExpress is also a popular choice for Amazon FBA shipments from Europe to the U.S. They specialize in freight for ecommerce sellers and offer competitive rates.
· Pack Carefully and Securely
Make sure everything is packed tightly in sturdy boxes to prevent shifting during transit. Seal all seams with water-resistant tape and clearly mark the contents on each box. Fragile items should have extra padding. You may want to consider palletizing multiple boxes together for easier handling. Secure everything to the pallet with stretch wrap to keep it stabilized.
· Include Proper Documentation
The right paperwork is required to clear customs. Be sure to include commercial invoices listing the contents and value of each package. You’ll also need a bill of lading or air waybill to show the carrier details about the shipment. Don’t forget to clearly mark each box with the recipient’s full address and your own return address.
· Plan Ahead and Save Money
Give yourself plenty of time to prepare and ship your freight. Rates are often lower if you book at least a week in advance. You can also save by shipping less frequently with larger volumes—see if you can consolidate multiple orders into one shipment. Choose a carrier that offers volume discounts and loyalty programs for frequent shippers.
Conclusion
The inside scoop on choosing and shipping your Amazon freight from Europe to the USA. With smart supplier selection, efficient picking and packing practices, and strategic shipping modes like ocean and air freight, you can get your goods delivered across the pond reliably and cost-effectively. The key is finding the right balance between speed, price, and risk that aligns with your business needs. And when in doubt, lean on experienced logistics partners like ardiexpress.com to help navigate the ins and outs of international ecommerce shipping. They’ve already smoothed the road for countless other Amazon sellers, so you’re in good hands.
